Bad Boys kick butt!
Posted by Bennyroyce Royon
“The lights dim, the trumpet fanfare begins the familiar strains of the “Le Corsair” pas de deux, and Rasta Thomas flies out of the wings in a brilliant series of soaring grand jetes. But when he steps aside to allow his partner to enter with her own flamboyant variation, the ballerina is a no-show. It’s an adorable little shtick that sets the tone for an evening designed to celebrate male virtuosity… and these bad boys are really, very, very good.”
- Karen Campbell, Boston Globe, July 31, 2007
Our performances at Jacob’s Pillow last week was well received by the loving audience and given good credit by the critics from the Berkshire Eagle, Boston Globe, and the New York Times papers. It was an exhilarating experience to perform with my Bad Boy brothers Rasta Thomas, Robbie Nicholson, Brian Arias, and the Lombard Twins. Jacob’s Pillow is for sure one of the best place to dance. I was amazed of how well the staff took care of us. And, the audiences was very loving and supportive.
I hope you guys enjoy these pictures. They offer a small glimpse of my experience last week. Thanks for those who came to see the show! (Tonya… and others!)
The picture above is the opening of my world premiere “Take 4″ which was a perfect intro piece to introduce the company.
“…Royon’ world premiere quartet “Take 4″ was dynamite… The four dancers came alive as if someone had just wound them up, and they exploded into movement that pushed at the edges…”
- Karen Campbell, Boston Globe, July 31, 2007
Oh, the Inside/Outside stage preview performance was interesting! I didn’t know that the stage was raked 7%. It made a lot of things really difficult. Here’s a picture of our rehearsal that day.
The picture above is me being held by my Prince (Brian Arias) as Robbie looks on in amazement! The piece is entitled “Figaro” a comedic ballet. It was fun!
If you’ve never heard of the Lombard Twins, then you have to check them out! www.lombardtwins.com
They are an amazing duo of hip-hop tapping twins! When they are not on stage. They are busy making little short films and making jokes. They were so fun to hang out with at the Derby House in Jacob’s Pillow. Here’s a picture of them on stage:
Also, here are two pictures of nature at Jacob’s Pillow! It’s sooooo green!
(The Ted Shawn Theatre.)
(Bugs making love!)
(”Steel Visions” by Darrell Moultrie)
The Bad Boys of Dance kicked butt last week! Hard work! Great audience support! And THANK YOU ADRIENNE CANTERNA (Rasta’s wife) for keeping us in tip top condition for rehearsals and performances! Love you very much!!!
Posted by Bennyroyce Royon
It has been awhile since I danced this much. After graduating from Juilliard last year, freelancing offered me great opportunities to dance around, but not on a consistent routine. Rasta’s “Bad Boys of Dance” will debut at Jacob’s Pillow on July 26-29. I will be dancing as much as I can and make up for the time I didn’t move! Please check us out and support the ‘bad boys’ of dance!
